Brooklyn-native band Acid Dad has recently released “Searchin,’” which is the first track on their upcoming album Take It From The Dead, due out on July 16. The band has also announced an upcoming tour which includes a stop at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City.
Acid Dad is an American alternative-rock band composed of singer-guitarists Vaughn Hunt, Sean Fahey and drummer Trevor Mustoe. The band released their first EP, Let’s Plan a Robbery, in 2016. Since then, they have independently produced and put out multiple singles and one live album.
Acid Dad shared two other songs in preparation for Take It From The Dead‘s release. Tracks two and three on the album, “BBQ” and “RC Driver” respectively, dropped earlier this year.
According to an interview with American Songwriter, “Searchin’” is inspired by bassist Phil Lesh’s book Searching for the Sound: My Life in the Grateful Dead and the Dead’s 1974 track “Unbroken Chain.” The two songs have similarities, looking for values and experiences of the past in a modern world.
Searchin’ Single Artwork
The music video for “Searchin”‘ pays homage to the Grateful Dead, with images of Jerry Garcia rippling in the background – calling reference to the era Acid Dad feels anemoia for, nostalgia for a time they didn’t experience.
Take It From The Dead features an array of different influences in contrast to their earlier work, allowing for more intricate and hypnotic sounds. Their goal with the upcoming record is to provide a modern spin to the feel of neo-psych, post-punk and ’70s rock-n-roll.
That’s one thing that I really like that the Grateful Dead always did with a song like ‘Friend of the Devil.’ When you listen to something like ‘[The Closing of] Winterland,’ they slow it down into this sultry jam and it has this intensity that just hits a lot harder. The song and the lyrics are the same, but it’s good for our own mental state to switch things up.
Sean Fahey, guitarist of Acid Dad, in an interview with American Songwriter
To accompany the new record’s dreamy distortion, the band has collaborated with artist Webb Hunt to produce kaleidoscopic art videos that add a visual counterpart to their sound. Green screened vaporwave backgrounds and VHS-like-quality graphics are commonly used to create this retro vibe.
Take It From The Dead Album Artwork
“Searchin’” can be streamed on Youtube, Spotify, and Soundcloud, (check out the full list here) Album pre-sales and pre-orders can be done on the Acid Dad record portal.
The band has also announced 2021 tour dates with fellow psychedelic rockers Frankie and the Witch Fingers, spanning much of the month of October. Ticket purchasing information is available on the Acid Dad website.
Check out the full list of currently-announced dates below:
Brooklyn-based four-piece band Space Bacon released their debut album, CONE, on June 11. CONE features 16 original instrumental tracks and blends rock and jam-band influences with an electronic flare.
Space Bacon is made up of Sam Crespo on drums, Chris Gironda on keyboards, Kevin LeGall on bass and Jack Willard on guitar. The band previously came out with their Nodes EP in 2016. CONE‘s recording process was split between Sabella Recording Studio in Roslyn Heights, NY and also with the help of Alfred Rylands in Wilmington, VT.
CONE features fan favorites such as “Ice Planet”, “Cloud Coast”, and “Heatseeker”as well as deeper cuts from their catalogue, reworked songs from their early years, and never before heard interludes.
Space Bacon Press Team
On CONE, tracks like “Cone” and “Throwing Shade” open with undeniable rock-n-roll guitar riffs. The riff on “Throwing Shade” even emulates a pop punk sound similar to 2000s-era hits like “The Middle” by Jimmy Eats World.
The band’s electronica-inspired grooves stand out on tracks like “Satellite,” “Lodge” and “Triangulation” with airy synths and reverb-heavy background sounds. Though the electronic influences stand strong, there is simultaneously a fun and energetic jam-band energy woven throughout the album. Since CONE is entirely instrumental, Space Bacon’s strength as a band is able to shine and they certainly dive into a funky rhythm.
Space Bacon recently celebrated the release of CONE with two sold out performances at the Safe and Soundz Music Festivalin the Catskills. Be sure to look out for more shows and connect with Space Bacon on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and their website. CONE is available to stream on all platforms.
Air Bertr&, the new project from Let’s be Leonard‘s Karl Bertrand, has an ambient first single with “City Walk,” clocking in at a meditative 25 minutes and 48 seconds. Karl uses various instrumentation on the track, and was joined by fellow LBL bandmate Connor Dunn, playing saxophone on “City Walk.”
Hailing from Saratoga Springs, Bertrand began getting into ambient music in 2018, finding the music eased his mind as he wrestled with insomnia and anxiety. He cites favorite ambient artists as Chihei Hatakeyama, Midori Takada, Brian Eno, Harold Budd, and Laraaji.
In the past couple years, Karl has hosted a radio show ‘Fly Air Bertr&’ on 91.1FM Skidmore College, where he mixes ambient music from various artists with ASMR recordings and lecturers from a variety of different philosophical and spiritual backgrounds.
Fly Air Bertr& radio show on WSPN 91.1 Skidmore College Radio
Released on May 28, “City Walk” is the result of years of writing and recording, plus time in 2020 to focus on this project while awaiting the return of live music.
My connection with ambient music has often felt very spiritual to me. That might come out the most on the radio program.
Karl Bertrand
Bertr& has performed at local events, including at yoga studios where he live DJs the class. He has also composed a piece for a local ballet studio, an interesting way for the music to come alive in a live setting, especially in comparison to the live rock performances.
Karl Bertrand performing live at a yoga class.
“City Walk” was first recorded on a handheld cassette recorder as Bertrand took a walk from Manhattan’s Upper East Side to Midtown. He later recorded an improvisation on electric piano to the field recording and finished the piece by inviting Connor Dunn to improvise over everything on his saxophone.
I definitely felt inspired by the big city energy and the thoughts of all of the old session players and jazz cats that had walked those same streets. I think Connor’s playing really captured that feeling. He did it all in one take after barely hearing the backing track. When he was finished he said “I’m done.” That was that. It’s just how I imagined the old-city jazz cats would have done it.
I’ve always loved walking alone in the city with headphones in. It’s one of my favorite things about traveling. I think the energy of the whole track feels just perfect for how I feel when I’m doing that activity. There’s so much life there but it’s also just so serene at the same time.
Bertrand shares one experience from the field recordings in New York City:
One of the coolest parts of making music is the unexpected moments. One of those moments is buried in the end of the field recording on this track. I’m almost finished walking through the park and getting closer to midtown. The environment grows more dense with commotion and voices of New Yorkers and tourists. One guy walks past and says “Which way’s up?” as I pass him (referring to which way is uptown I’d assume.) Maybe ten seconds later a little kid playfully exclaims “It’s this way!” It seems like a little miracle of sorts to record such an unexpected li’l moment like that.
On June 12 and 13, at the new Westville Music Bowl in New Haven, CT, Goose presented two unique anthologies, juxtaposed just so. The raw, epic intensity of the first night enabled the spirit of shenanigans and invoked a welcomed fugue where we forget about the factory and fiction became reality. Fortunately, Capt. John O’Hagan was not the one asking, “What happens to the next guy who says “Shenanigans?””
Frankie Bosco inviting shenanigans
The Venue
The Westville Music Bowl felt like home. There was an air of recognition that was difficult to place. The access, the reasonably tight security providing a sense of shelter, and most importantly, there was not a bad seat in the house to be found. Upon reaching the ticketing area, it all made sense. The show was put on by the Twilight company, best known for making sanctuary happen at the beloved, now defunct, South Farms in Morris, CT.
Bunny interpreting an echo of a rose
It was comforting to discover people hanging out behind the bowl for a pre-show jam session and socializing. Alien it felt, but glorious it was – violin, familiar faces and the occasional shenanigans involving small sloths and remote control cars.
Jon “Coach” Lombardi giving his blessing as the show begins
Saturday: “Greg Knight’s Quest for the Holy Jam”
On Saturday, the Goose army assembled and became fully aligned. Tony Vasile, longtime fan, commented, “In Goose country, the long haulers would be more likely to ditch their family Thanksgiving celebration before missing out on this.” The band communicated endless gratitude through their commitment to a flawless execution of the curated evening of music.
Love in the air for royal Goose court minstrel DJ Doey Joey.
As the night progressed and sequined clothing glistened under Andrew Goedde’s superb lights, the crowd appeared to become more cohesive.
Franz Petit Lupen wearing all of this gold
People were chatting on the bathroom line. Jenny Ruthie Pearlman theorized, “People were running into each other for the first time. There had been friendships cultivating over the internet and it was hard to figure out who someone was when our faces were covered. There were songs I loved that came on, but what was more beautiful was that I could think of all the people that were excited not because it was their favorite song too, but because they knew I loved it.”
Man of the hour, Greg Knight catching up with pal Little Baby Crepes
The Battle
Just as we were together in the throes of battle with the elusive pauses during “Earthling of Alien?,”things were getting desperate. Spirits were dwindling in the “Madhuvan”forest.
The army was beginning to doubt their planetary origins when suddenly a Knight by the name of Greg Knight appeared to contribute some reality through his flawless rapped verses. The battle was over and we were rewarded with a sought after and rare “Factory Fiction.”Greg’s last appearance with the band was a year ago during Bingo Tour, which happens to also be the last time we heard “Factory Fiction.” Were they related? I don’t know…
Shenanigans colors tastefully woven in by Andrew Goedde
The first night’s encore finished what they started the night before. After getting the PA cut during the encore of “So Ready” the night before, it was only fitting to start exactly where they left off in New Haven.
“So Ready” music video
But Make It Fashion
The anthology of Goose tales continued with a segue that could not have been more clever. Closing with a tune from their animated music video for “So Ready” was the perfect setup for the capsule-style show similar to the themes they have done with movie soundtracks on Halloween.
Shenanigans Trailer and fashion inspiration
The band showed up on stage wearing their respective outfits and opened with the “Trailer Jam” from their wildly cinematic video announcement for the album Shenanigans Nite Club. Goose and its incredible crew worked so hard over the past few years. Nothing could signify a moment worthy of celebration then a home show “flodown” party than the outfits (and very importantly, the hair) worn by the characters each band member played.
Frankie Bosco relishing
Shenanigans Under The Stars
Sunday kicked off with an upbeat, bubbly energy that was completely reversed, yet somehow, with essence of yin and yang, the band made thoughtful selections to perhaps assist our future long term memories of the weekend to seem as if they were one night. For example, we had a knight for both shows, but this time it was the cover “Knights in White Satin.“
Kevin hamming
Many bands created communities within their following, but Goose created a safe, supportive space for exploration of our own metaphysical dark forest in order to understand which turn might be next in the labyrinth. A fanbase full of artisans, creatives, and empaths. A healthy dose of unquestioned, unchallenged quirk made for a remarkable time for connection during the come up of Goose, especially during shutdown.
Tony Vasile and Orion Jewelry Design’s Val Walis have attended all but two Goose shows this season.
When artisans would post something they made to one of the many Goose Facebook groups, things would not only sell immediately, but the overwhelming support would have been hard to find in any other social group, pandemic or not. Some found even more down this electric avenue.
The elusive Lloyd 2.0
The mood progressed into actually feeling exactly like Thanksgiving dinner. Val Walis commented that “it was a feast of music and so many favorite people everywhere. There was hardly enough time to have a conversation with anyone, but the voltage level of emotion we were all feeling at the same moment did not need words.”
(dawn) Of A New Era
Both sets on Sunday felt like a victory lap of sorts. The aged and trusty jam vehicles like “All I Need” and mustache anthem “Mustang Sally” helped usher in the dawn of a new era for Goose to creep out somewhere along the line with the live debut of “SOS” and its accompanying jam-hymnal (dawn).
Same old shenanigans for Phil Paquet, Mr. McGoose 2.0 and Little Baby Crepes
From the ashes of solitude, we were able to give ourselves permission to go everywhere, see everyone and feel everything. Admirals like Greg Knight kept more in line than we could imagine.
Commander in Scarf Marc Komito basking in the “(dawn)”
The crowd could not have been more friendly. The amount of smiles might almost parallel the amount of scarves on peoples heads used as dance props. There were scarves everywhere!
Marc Komito (aka Scarf Guy) is perpetually the fearless (and fashionable) leader we all needed. He has taught to so many the responsibility we have to relish in these rare, perfect moments. By expressing our gratitude with individuality and without apology, balance is found. For some, it might have looked like giving Mike, from Spafford and JamBandWorkout, a run for his money. For those that prefer to turn inward, simply sitting still and watching with full attention could have been an equally respectful avenue.
Terry Alfredo in the new light
We as a community, felt the light of dawn creeping out while enjoying great music, and hopefully the band and its rock solid crew felt the little bit of ourselves that we tried to send up. Goose got us through it and Coach only knows what might happen as the days get brighter.
Setlist June 12: Me and My Uncle (John Phillips), Flodown, The Whales, Honeybee, Yeti, Seekers on the Ridge Pt., Seekers on the Ridge Pt. 2, Madhuvan>Fish in the Sea (Fat Freddyâs Drop), Jive I, Earthling or Alien?, Tumble > Factory Fiction
Encore: Slow Ready
Setlist June 13: Shenanigans Jam > All I Need > Indian River >Time To Flee > Your Ocean, So Ready >Arrow > Nights In White Satin (Moody Blues), Rosewood Heart > Bob Don > SOS > (dawn)
Encore: Mustang Sally > Butter Rum
It has been rumored that Frankie Bosco gained some kind of super shredding power when he is wearing bracelets from Orion Jewelry Design, made by my sister Val. If you would like to support her (and Little Baby Crepes,) check out https://orionjewelrydesign.com/
Frankie Bosco’s wrist adorned with Orion Jewelry Design Bracelets
Pink strat or bracelet? I don’t know, but it can’t hurt to support your local Goose Chick Val Walis and her jewelry business https://orionjewelrydesign.com/
Want to get in shape for scarf season? Check out this workout featuring a killer version of what some have affectionately nicknamed “Lookout Clav-land”
Curious what all the hype is about with Factory Fiction? Check out this similar, yet different version from the historical Bingo Tour
The Resonance Music and Arts Festival has recently announced its initial 2021 lineup featuring multiple sets from Resonance alumni, including Tipper, Lotus, Lettuce, Papadosio, Umphrey’s McGee and many more. The fest will run from September 16-18 at a new location – Marvin’s Mountaintop Campground in Masontown, West Virginia.
The lineup announcement comes on the heels of a recent change in location for the fest, now taking place at Marvin’s Mountaintop. Cooper’s Lake in Slippery Rock, PA hosted the festival in 2019, after a five-year run at Legend Valley in Thornville, OH.
We’re so happy we have a new home for Resonance at Marvin’s Mountaintop. Despite all of the challenges we’ve encountered, we’re looking forward to a fantastic weekend with a ton of incredible artists.
Casey Schneider – Founder of Resonance Fest
Resonance Festival will continue its tradition of special sets from a range of performers, including a mountain sunrise set from Tipper and a sunset set from jam-band Spafford. The special sets continue with “TAUKing Wonder,” a Stevie Wonder tribute set and Keller Williams’ “Grateful Grass,” a “psychedelic bluegrass” set inspired by the Grateful Dead.
Papadosio at Resonance 2019 Photo Credit: Keith Griner
Known for providing a blended lineup ranging from electronic to instrument-driven music with everything in between, Resonance is expected to stay true to form this year. In the past, the Resonance Festival 2021 has featured art tents, light shows, interactive displays, and scenic views.
In the coming weeks, attendees can expect updates on lineup additions, visual artists, activities, and more. Tickets are on sale now through the event website with weekend, RV, car, camping and VIP packages available.
Resonance Fest 2019 Recap Video Credit: Sacred StoryWeavers
Scaling back an annual weekend of music and art in Burlington, VT, Higher Ground will present Double Down, with Twiddle performing at the Midway Lawn at Champlain Valley Expo on Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7.
The annual Tumble Down weekend, headlined by two nights of Twiddle with multiple bands performing each day as well as late night at Nectar’s and Higher Ground, will be scaled back as Double Down this year. Offering two nights of music along with support acts, fans can enjoy Twiddle’s annual Burlington summer jaunt as they have since 2015.
On August 6, Robert Banks Trio will open for Twiddle, while on August 7, Gubbilidis and Frends will kick off the night.
Tickets are $49 advance, $53 day of show, and $79 2-day pass. Gates open at 5:30pm, with the show starting at 7pm. Both shows are all ages, with children 12 & under are free. $2 of each ticket sold will help to combat Vermont’s opioid crisis. Tickets are now on sale at highergroundmusic.com
Higher Ground has a few other concerts planned at Champlain Valley Exposition. On Wednesday, July 28, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats performs, with The Marcus King Band and Tre Burt. Tuesday August 3 will find Billy Strings on the shores of Lake Champlain, and on Saturday, October 2 Primus will perform, with Wolfmother opening.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music fromthe Grandstand Jockeys, Timbre Coup and many more!
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
The Grandstand Jockeys
The Grandstand Jockeys’ debut EP, Win, arrives on June 18. Its first single, “Better Days,” is a nostalgic call to long-past good times, holding out hope for their eventual return. The song is especially timely in the wake of many COVID-19 restrictions being lifted: “Time to begin, the time is now / Get yourself off the ground.” The Grandstand Jockeys’ Facebook page describes their sound as a mix of Tom Petty, Nirvana and QOTSA, but “Better Days” has the former written all over it.
Timbre Coup
Timbre Coup’s latest single, “Running Always,” is an indie rock piece that occasionally delves into prog and funk. The song’s scarce lyrics contrast its vast, sometimes trippy soundscape, replete with a sweeping electric guitar that wouldn’t sound out of place on OK Computer. The four-piece band from Albany will release their fourth studio album, Sudden Urge, on June 25.
Ciarra Fragale
Indie-pop singer-songwriter Ciarra Fragale’s self-titled EP is out on July 2. Described by Fragale as “a love letter to my anxiety (and yours),” single “It’s Only Raining” isn’t concerned with the weather so much as the stressful hypothetical situations our brains create for us. Fragale’s vocals are effortless yet passionate, and the staccatoed keys will stay with you long after listening.
Chicago prog/jam stalwarts Umphrey’s McGee will make a few stops in the Empire State this June on their 2021 Summer and Fall Tour. Apple Valley Park in Lafayette will host the group on Friday, June 25th and Saturday, June 26th, while Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock will have a special one night show on Sunday, June 27th.
Later this year, they’ll make a two-night stop at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, bringing with them their unique fan-engagement experience, UMBowl.
Like previous events at Apple Valley Park, events will be socially distanced, with fans being able to purchase tickets in roped-off PODS for parties of 2, 4 or 6. In an effort to create a safe experience for guests, a carefully throughout site plan has been developed allowing for temperature screenings and surveys to be conducted upon entering the event grounds. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, all PODS are spaced a minimum of six feet apart. A variety of food and beverage options will be available for purchase. Site map and FAQ for the venue can be found here.
Tickets for Apple Valley go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 21st at 12pm at applevalleypark.com
At Levon Helm Studios, proof of completion of a full COVID-19 vaccination (+2 weeks) is required for entry, and masks are required. The gates will open at 6:30pm on Sunday, June 27, with doors at 7:30pm and show at 8:00pm. Reserved Seating tickets are $100 and standing room are $75 each.
June 27th will mark UM’s first appearance at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York. The iconic studio and performance space has played a starring role in many legendary nights of music. Home to the famous Midnight Rambles, the Barn has a “if these walls could talk” quality that has inspired musicians for nearly 50 years, all of us included.
To honor the legacy of community and camaraderie that Levon fostered, Umphrey’s McGee will present Rambling On, an evening of mostly true tales live from Helm Studios. Interspersed throughout the show, the band will share recollections from the road, stories of the studio, tales of tunes, and other alliterative shenanigans.
If fans have a question or (likely untrue) rumored story that you’re curious about, try them out here.
Umphrey’s McGee Summer-Fall Tour
June 18-20 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
June 25-26 – Apple Valley Park – Lafayette, NY
June 27 – Levon Helm Studios – Woodstock, NY
June 29-30 – Showtime At The Drive-In – Frederick, MD
July 1-4 – The Peach Music Festival – Scranton, PA
July 9-10 – The Caverns Outdoor Amphitheater – Pelham, TN
July 23-24 – Northlands – Swanzey, NH
Aug. 5 – Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre – Wilmington, NC
Aug. 6-7 – Beech Mountain Summer Series – Beech Mountain, NC
Aug. 8 – Avondale Brewing Company – Birmingham, AL
Aug. 13 – Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WI
Aug. 14 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 15 – Lauridsen Amphitheater At Water Works Park – Des Moine, IA
Aug. 19-22 – Summer Camp Music Festival – Chillicothe, IL
Sept. 2 – Terrapin Crossroads – San Rafael, CA
Sept. 3 – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
Sept. 4 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
Sept. 5 – The Observatory North Park – San Diego, CA
Sept. 9 – Stubbs Bar-B-Q Outdoors – Austin, TX
Sept. 10 – House of Blues – Houston, TX
Sept. 11 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX
Sept. 12 – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
Sept. 16-17 – Resonance Music And Arts Festival – Masontown, WV
Sept. 18 – TCU Amphitheater At White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN
Oct. 8-9 – UMBowl At The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY
Nov. 12-13 – The Pageant – St. Louis, MO
Nov. 14 – Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend, IN
By 1992, there was no secret about the affinity the Grateful Dead had for Albany’s Knickerbocker Arena. This would be the third year in a row they made sure to make a tour stop here. But after two previous three-night runs, including the acclaimed one from 1990 that will always be associated with their acclaimed Dozin’ At The Knick live album, the Dead only had two nights to play all the hits this year. This first of these performance went down 29 years ago today.
Tonight’s Grateful Dead show, despite a ravenous Knickerbocker Arena, has a very relaxed open as the band slowly ambles into a “Bertha” opener. No complaints are heard as the crowd drowns out the opening lyrics in delight. After a mild jam that’s peppered with some thunderous bass notes from Phil Lesh, the entire room seems to be singing along for the remainder of this first set staple. The “New Minglewood Blues” that comes next begins in similar fashion. Garcia and keyboardist Vince Welnick each drop a couple of bluesy solos and get stretched out a little while, in between, Bob Weir takes care of the vocals, making note of the “Upstate fllies” in a nod to the locale.
“Row Jimmy” gets the rest of the band singing again, and sees more dexterous work from Garcia on guitar, as he digs into his MIDI bag of effects and offers something that sounds closer to a flute solo at one point. After three classic Dead originals, the first cover of the night is Bob Dylan’s “Queen Jane Approximately,” with Weir once again manning lead vocals. Welnick gets in on the act here and highlights this one with a blissful, ethereal piano solo.
“Dire Wolf” finally brings the tempo back up and the band rips through another first set mainstay, with Garcia plowing through his requisite solo with ease. But it’s near a minute and a half until the next selection is made, “Beat It On Down The Line.” With both the Dead and Knickerbocker Arena now alive and well, the sing-a-long is back on thanks to “Loose Lucy” as the crowd continues to add their collective backing to the lyrics in revelry. Welnick makes the shift from piano to Hammond organ nicely and adds some flavorful support as well. “The Music Never Stopped” then puts the fitting finishing touches on a crisp opening set that’s nothing but treasured Dead originals and a Dylan cover.
The Dead dive into one of their more recent originals with “Foolish Heart” to kick off the second set at the Knick. Garcia and Welnick once again complement each other beautifully on guitar and keys, respectively, as the band sears through this one effortlessly. No extended jam of note develops afterwards. Instead, it’s a brief pause and away with “Playin’ In The Band” where, after a quick run through of verse, the collective improvisation starts almost immediately and doesn’t let up anytime soon. When it does, the beginning to “Uncle John’s Band” ensues, as the audience seems to come back up for air after the quick yet heavy display of psychedelic mayhem that immediately preceded it.
The Dead then go back down to the bottom, the way bottom, courtesy of an extended “Drums” > “Space” sequence that stretches out to nearly a half hour. A well rested Knick is more than happy to help out with the vocals for the “I Need A Miracle” that finally emerges. A quick jam, punctuated by an aggressive Welnick piano solo, is crafted before things slow down one last time with “Wharf Rat.”
After another set comprised of solely live Dead originals, and some intense improv, the evening closes out with a pair of covers. Weir hams it up one last time on vocals, and Welnick on piano as well for that matter, on Chuck Berry’s rocker “Around and Around” that suits the crowd perfectly. And the band help themselves to some more Dylan material with “The Mighty Quinn” that serves as tonight’s encore.
With night one of the two-night run now in the books, expectations were surely through the roof for the following evening. Thanks to some sort of odd cross-promotional gadgetry straight out of 1992, if you held onto your ticket stub from tonight, the Dead would make sure you were well fed for tomorrow.
Grateful Dead Knickerbocker Arena – Albany, NY 6/11/92
Set 1: Bertha, Minglewood Blues, Row Jimmy, Queen Jane Approximately, Dire Wolf, Beat It On Down The Line, Loose Lucy, The Music Never Stopped
Set 2: Foolish Heart, Playin’ In The Band-> Jam-> Uncle John’s Band-> Drums-> Jam-> I Need A Miracle-> Wharf Rat-> Around and Around
Saturday was more string-oriented with The Infamous Stringdusters and The Wood Brothers jamming to the faithful. In addition to the music, artists, art and workshops were plentiful and there was even a giant waterpark to cool off and relax in while soaking up the scenery and listening to music from a nearby stage. To sum it up, Mountain Music Festival was everything a festival should be, can’t wait for next year!
